Social Distancing

By Ellie Schwartz '21

As you have probably noticed, we are currently in a pandemic. In the last week, my family and I have been practicing social distancing in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. This shift in my day to day life has not been very easy to adjust to. I find myself looking back at pictures of my friends and I, and wishing I could be with them during this weird time. I’ve started to adjust to this new reality and have found some coping methods to keep myself occupied. Something I have found to be very helpful is to do at least one thing you’ve been putting off or wanting to do. This could be organizing your sock drawer, trying a new recipe, doing a dance fitness video (highly recommend The Fitness Marshall on Youtube), or even putting on a face of makeup because why not. These small things give you a sense of accomplishment, even if it just folding some laundry. I also recommend calling at least one friend a day. Just talking to someone, even if it is virtually, helps increase your energy and your mood. This change in our reality can seem surreal and hard to adjust to, but it so important that we take this seriously. Social distancing is not going to stop the spread of COVID-19, but it will slow it down. Our healthcare systems cannot physically assist an entire population getting sick at once. By slowing down the spread of the virus, hospitals will actually be able to help those that are sick. By failing to social distance, you not only put yourself at risk, but you put everyone at risk. You may think to yourself “I’m a healthy 17 year old girl, I’ll be fine!”. But the reality is that while you may be fine, your grandma who you spread it to may not be fine. The grocery store clerk with asthma may not be fine. We have to practice this self-isolation for the greater good, not just yourself.